Quint Kessenich: Early look at 2013 title contenders

CaptionLoyola (5-2)

Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun

The 2012 national champion Greyhounds were 18-1 last season and return eight of 10 starters for coach Charley Toomey. Their transition offense and stingy half-field defense set them apart. How do the 'Hounds react to the pressure and expectations of winning the school's first NCAA title?...

The 2012 national champion Greyhounds were 18-1 last season and return eight of 10 starters for coach Charley Toomey. Their transition offense and stingy half-field defense set them apart. How do the 'Hounds react to the pressure and expectations of winning the school's first NCAA title?... (Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun)

The Terps have made emotional and improbable postseason runs the past two seasons before coming up short in the title game each time. Their battle-tested senior class has won 39 games. Strength: Their first midfield unit, with Lutherville native John Haus, Mike Chanenchuk and Jake Bernhardt (No...

The Terps have made emotional and improbable postseason runs the past two seasons before coming up short in the title game each time. Their battle-tested senior class has won 39 games. Strength: Their first midfield unit, with Lutherville native John Haus, Mike Chanenchuk and Jake Bernhardt (No... (Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun)

In recent years, the Fighting Irish have been sniffing around Championship Weekend and now might have their most dangerous team ever. Their defensive system, strong character and sharp coaching make them a leading candidate for gold. Strength: Defense. The Irish are known for quick double teams...

In recent years, the Fighting Irish have been sniffing around Championship Weekend and now might have their most dangerous team ever. Their defensive system, strong character and sharp coaching make them a leading candidate for gold. Strength: Defense. The Irish are known for quick double teams... (Notre Dame Athletics)

The Blue Jays' senior class doesn't want to become the second straight never to reach Championship Weekend. Back-to-back quarterfinal-round losses to Denver and Maryland have left a bad taste. Strength: Under coach Dave Pietramala, the Jays are always well prepared and schooled. Midfielders...

The Blue Jays' senior class doesn't want to become the second straight never to reach Championship Weekend. Back-to-back quarterfinal-round losses to Denver and Maryland have left a bad taste. Strength: Under coach Dave Pietramala, the Jays are always well prepared and schooled. Midfielders... (Steve Ruark, photo for the BALTIMORE SUN)

The Big Red, which hasn't won a title since the 1970s, is hungry after losing its last three games of 2012. Strength: Rob Pannell. The nation's best player suffered a broken foot in the second game last year and sat out the rest of the season. He's back and has the skills, power and intellect...

The Big Red, which hasn't won a title since the 1970s, is hungry after losing its last three games of 2012. Strength: Rob Pannell. The nation's best player suffered a broken foot in the second game last year and sat out the rest of the season. He's back and has the skills, power and intellect... (Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun)

We're only a couple of weeks into the men's lacrosse season, but it's never too early to peek ahead to Memorial Day. No. 1 Loyola, No. 3 Maryland and No. 5 Johns Hopkins are among the early contenders to hoist the national championship trophy — with 13 long weeks still to go. Here's a...By Quint Kessenich, For The Baltimore Sun